Theatre News Wire

The Second City, the world's premier brand in improvisation and sketch-based comedy entertainment and education, announced today the following appointments to its Board of Directors, effective Thursday, June 10, 2021:

-Stephen Colbert, Host of The Late Show on CBS
-Chris Henchy, Co-Founder of Funny Or Die
-Larry Irving, Operating Partner and Chief ESG Advisor at ZMC
-Brad Jenkins, CEO of Enfranchisement Productions, Senior Advisor of The Asian American Foundation, and Co-Founder of Phenomenal Productions
-Laura Kennedy, CEO of Avalon
-Chris Licht, Showrunner and Executive Producer of The Late Show

Additionally, Stephen Colbert will chair The Second City's Artistic Advisory Board to advocate for artists throughout the organization as it continues to grow its 62-year-old brand of iconic, world-class comedy.

"As a young comedian, The Second City was my artistic home where I learned my chops and had the freedom to fail with my friends. I want to help keep it that way," said Colbert.

"With this slate of comedy legends and talented leaders, we are more confident than ever in The Second City's ability to continue to grow the brand and innovate," said Jordan Turkewitz, Co-Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner at ZMC. "We are just beginning to write this new chapter of the company together, and we're excited to do so alongside the incredible artists who make this theater iconic."

"We could not do better than to have an icon like Stephen helping us in our mission to grow The Second City in a way that honors the art and the brand, as well as provides a platform for a broader pool of talent," said Parisa Jalili, The Second City Chief Operating Officer. "The Second City name has become synonymous with comedic excellence, and we owe that to the talent, staff, alumni and audiences that form our community."

The Second City Artistic Advisory Board will be announced in full at a later date.